Beauty and history went side by side in this gentle look at Carters steam fair
Going on the Gallopers (Radio 4), the story behind the Carters steam fair, was a quaint listen. I liked that it was plainly served, and just let its fairground tale unfold. It did so with characterful voices, each obsessed with vintage steam rides at the fair. Whatever you do, don't refer to the ride with horses as a carousel. "It's a galloper, not a carousel," one of the Carters insisted. Gallopers, apparently, turn clockwise; carousels anti-clockwise. Carousels, someone added in horror, are American.
Authenticity is key, right down to their living quarters. The showman's wagons they live in are ornate and fancy. "It has the most amazing marble fireplace," we heard, as head of the family, Anna, described her art deco wagon. The fireplace makes it list to one side, but looks beautiful: like much in this programme, beauty and history cheeringly trounced practicality.
The Carters, who travel for seven months a year, don't take the easy option when a historically interesting one exists. "This is the oldest working lorry in Britain," Anna said, introducing one of their vehicles. "You get muscles on muscles driving this." Everything is lovingly restored, and toured to fairs across the country. "It's a legacy, isn't it?" said Anna. It is, and just the right sort of fodder for a gentle radio portrait.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2011/may/26/going-on-gallopers-radio-review
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